More help for #workers in pay disputes #MOM #Singapore

WORKERS who are denied their wages will be able to turn to a new labour tribunal, which will open its doors to all local employees, regardless of how much they earn. The Small Claims Employment Tribunal, proposed by the Ministry of Manpower (MOM), is expected to benefit 2.1 million employees, including permanent residents, when it is launched at a yet to be determined date. Besides the tribunal, the ministry also wants all firms to put in writing in employment contracts key terms such as salary, job scope and hours of work, to reduce the possibility of a dispute. These two initiatives will ensure that Singapore's labour laws "keep pace and remain relevant" as the labour market changes, said Acting Manpower Minister Tan Chuan-Jin yesterday. The changes come as firms grapple with a manpower crunch following curbs on the inflow of foreign workers, and in the wake of wide-rang...